It can be the first time for you as a pet owner, or you can be an experienced one. Either way, rabbits are amazing animals to live with. Smart, energetic, participative and – of course – lovable. Several rabbit breeds exist, so some advice can be useful in choosing the most compatible one for yourself. American fuzzy and Holland Lop are two of the most popular breeds. What do these two adorable fluffy pets have in common? Both of these rabbit breeds are amazing, cuddly and affectionate, perfect for being around children. Not only that, they are also ideal for first-time rabbit owners.
So, if they’re both great, how do I choose?
Short Answer
First, consider where you are located in the world. Especially the American fuzzy Lop is very popular in the United States. But it can be harder to find elsewhere. Not that there aren’t breeders where you can find one even in your country, but it’s simply a rarer breed. And that can make it less accessible geographically and economically.
However, prices tend to be similar. Or at least that is true unless you are looking for special requirements, which you may want if you wish to enter your rabbit in shows and competitions. You will usually pay around $25 for an American Fuzzy rabbit, but if you are looking for special features you can go up to $200. For the Holland Hop the price can go up to $400. If you are worried about the care of your future rabbit, you should know that rabbits are generally more needy than people often expect. In both cases they require a lot of attention, care and companionship. Take their fur for example, they both have a thick and fairly long coat, but the American fuzzy tends to need more frequent grooming. This can range from once a week, up to even once a day in the moulting period.
Now let’s dig a little deeper and find out some physical and behavioural characteristics of these two loving breeds!
Focus on: American Fuzzy
Some history:
The first American Fuzzy Lop was presented in 1985 in Houston by Patty Green-Karl. Originally in a plain colour, it was later crossbred, gaining the colour spots that make it even more adorable.
Since that day, when this breed was presented in front of a small audience, it has come a long way in a short time, until in 1988 it was recognised by the ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association).
Physical characteristics that make this breed unique:
Round cheeks, droopy ears, long thick fur on the body, short and flat muzzle. These are some of the characteristics that make this rabbit 100% cute. The body is small, usually weighing up to 3-4 lbs (1.7 kg).
Probably born from a cross between the Holland Lop rabbit and the Angora, the American Fuzzy Lop has a nearly invisible neck. Its body has a rounded compact shape that closes in on itself, with a slightly flattened head.
Personality and behaviour:
The American Fuzzy Lop is a sociable rabbit, at ease with people. It is able to bond with its human and is even able to show them affection. It loves cuddles and this is one of the reasons why it is one of the most popular breeds as a family pet.
American Fuzzy Lops are even able to show their appreciation and love by grinding their teeth, which can be considered, in a way, their purr. This is an indicator to always take into account when interacting with them. Why? Because, on the contrary, different teeth grinding may indicate that the little one is uncomfortable.
While it is true that they are loving and cuddly, American Fuzzy Lops are also energetic and full of life. Not only do they enjoy the company of humans, they are also sociable with other rabbits. Therefore, when considering adopting or buying an American Fuzzy Lop, consider also getting another one. This way, the two will keep each other company. Loneliness is not their friend.
Caring for an American Fuzzy Lop:
Caring for American Fuzzy Lops is not that different from caring for other rabbit breeds. This means paying close attention to diet (which must be low-calorie), medical care and companionship. However, special care must be given to the grooming. The American Fuzzy Lop needs to be brushed quite often (even on a daily basis, during the molting period). To do that, you can use a small brush (one to buy at a store for pet supplies, specifically designed for your rabbit’s needs!).
How long do they live?
American Fuzzy Lops can live up to ten years, if treated with care and love. The American Fuzzy Lop live – on average – 5-8 years. In a domestic environment they can live up to 10 years. If they are provided with the company of others of their species, their lifespan usually increases.
Focus on: Holland Lop
Some history:
As you can easily guess from its name, the Holland Lop originated in the Netherlands. The first breeding came from an idea of the Dutch Adrian de Cock in 1949. He first decided to try cross breeding French Lop and Netherland Dwarf.
Super cute, don’t get me wrong, but the ears still stood up.
That’s why he decided to try and strengthen the gene for the dangling ears – you know what I’m talking about, the typical feature of the lop-eared), with yet another cross. Thanks to the contribution of the English Lop genes we got the Holland Lop as we know it today.
It was then recognised by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1979.
Physical characteristics that make this breed unique:
The Holland Lop is a small rabbit, among the smallest of the lop-eared breeds. Its weight is around 3-3,5 lbs (1.5 kg).
It has a medium-length coat, which is thick and soft. It comes in a variety of colours. You may have seen some pictures of these cuties online, in a bright grey colour.
But you can also find dark chocolate brown and orange ones. You’ll notice a so-called “crown” of fur on the back of their heads, typical of Holland Lops.
Personality and behaviour:
Just like the American fuzzy lops, Holland lops also have very sweet temperaments. This makes them perfect pets for families and those in need of emotional support. At the same time, they need lots of attention and space to move around. If you want a happy Holland Lop, you need to give them enough room to move around. It can be a designated room, or even the entire house. They have a pretty good time in fenced yards as well, where they can play and enjoy themselves outdoors during warm seasons. Plus, they are really playful and love games.
Holland Lops are intelligent and lively animals. They are curious and loving. If they show any signs of aggressive behaviors, bear in mind that their temperament calms down once they have been sterilised.
Caring for a Holland Lop
Holland Lops are known as easy rabbits to care for. As with the American Fuzzy Lops, attention should be paid to diet, as well as nails and teeth (neither should grow too much). As already mentioned, Holland Lops need to release all their energy. Therefore, they need plenty of exercise and space.
How long do they live?
This breed has a very long average life span. Some can reach up to 14 years of life (whaat?). You can therefore consider that they can live peacefully for at least 7 up to 10 years.
Some final words
As explained, American Fuzzy and Holland Lop are two rabbit breeds that share a lot, while being unique in their own features. They are both really cuddly, home and kids-friendly, soft, smart and playful creatures. Differences are little, and mostly related to the esthetic and/or physical traits.
Do you want to know a secret? Choosing one or the other… you are never going to be wrong. Because both breeds are champions in being the best little companions you can desire!
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